Aspen's heady vibe is an idiosyncratic fusion of Wild West cowboy soul, Hollywood glitz and quaint European charm - all backed by mind-blowing mountain scenery. There are piles of fresh snow and even more money. Once a haven for hippies like Hunter S. Thompson, Aspen is now the hot-ticket getaway for jet-setting celebrities and East Coast billionaires.
Shoppers can browse many of the same designer boutiques that they would on Rodeo Drive or Madison Avenue. Stores often have posh VIP rooms and bars. Many customers in Aspen can shop anywhere in the world, so the retailers here really have to step up their game with unique items that can't be found anywhere else. The 1 percent can buy real woolly mammoth skeletons and million-dollar photos. If you need a diamond-covered water bottle or a mink onesie for your Shih Tzu, this is the ski town for you.
But mere mortals will also find plenty to shop for in this playground for the super-rich. The downtown pedestrian malls are simply delightful for a stroll in the crisp alpine air, and they're lined with design stores and boutiques. Aspen's modern mountain aesthetic is easy to love, whether you want to outfit your mansion's hot tub salon or bring a little snow-dusted style back to the Fort Worth flatlands.
Amen Wardy
Amen Wardy
1. Amen Wardy
Follow the colorful leopard-print bags into this charismatic store that pulls out all the stops with vivacious yet elegant decor. Ooh and aah over the elaborate tablescapes adorned with multiple layers of accessories: personal candy dishes, glittering placemats and individual salt and pepper shakers. Discover everything from frivolous animal-shaped platters to sophisticated Chinese porcelain. Amen Wardy's eclectic collection adds spice to dinner parties and life to the often-neutral mountain look. It's no wonder that Wardy's been in business since 1954 - and he still picks out every piece in the store.
520 E. Durant Ave., Ste. 204
Aspen, Colorado 81611
970.920.7700
2. Aspen Design Room
Situated in the heart of downtown Aspen, this upscale showroom boasts an artistic collection of timeless furniture, lighting and accessories. Contemporary and modern lines dominate the store, which feels light and open with a fresh, sexy energy. Owner Bob Bowden has built some of the most prestigious homes in Aspen over the last three decades, and his expertise is on full display. Many pieces are sourced from suppliers in Los Angeles and Italy, who custom-make designs with wood, metal and leather. Browse top-of-the-line international brands like Scala Luxury, Armani/Casa, Lee Industries, Ralph Lauren Home and Kelly Wearstler.
625 E. Main St., Ste. 101
Aspen, Colorado 81611
970.544.2055
Omnibus Gallery
Omnibus Gallery
3. Omnibus Gallery
Score retro posters of movie art, travel destination ads, wartime propaganda, Broadway shows and anything else you can imagine. This gallery's museum-worthy collection of authentic vintage posters dates from the 1880s to the 1960s, which was the golden age of printing and stone lithography. Everything is original, including movie posters from "Star Wars," "James Bond" and "Jaws." See masterworks from the heydays of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, including designs by Toulouse-Lautrec and Mucha. Some pieces can sell for upwards of $150,000, but not everything in the poster gallery is so tony. Keep an eye out for sales, and you can score a graphic addition to your home for just a few hundred bucks.
410 E. Hyman Ave.
Aspen, Colorado 81611
970.925.5567
Chequers
Chequers
4. Chequers
Step inside the crimson walls of this boutique to discover a "love story" curated by owner Becky Dumeresque. After starting her career modeling and learning from designers like Valentino and Bill Blass, Dumeresque applied her fashion sense to home furnishings. The result is one of flair and finesse. Shop for Europe-gathered antiques and quirky objets d"art. Find bespoke furniture crafted out of repurposed treasures like a ballot box, a leather gun case or wood beams from a French country church. Custom-made shearling throws are quintessential Aspen style, and there's also a choice collection of coffee-table books and candleholders.
520 E. Cooper Ave. Ste. 1A
Aspen, Colorado 81611
970.925.7572
Cathers Home
Cathers Home
5. Cathers Home
Located in Basalt (about 25 minutes northwest of Aspen), Cathers Home is worth the drive. Artisan carpets are the specialty here, but you'll also encounter a luxurious spread of furniture, lighting and decor in the 3,000-square-foot showroom. There's always something gorgeous to look at, from one-of-a-kind artwork to cozy bedding and throws. Browse masterfully crafted rugs that honor ancient artisan traditions, including hand-woven carpets from Tufenkian Rugs. Need help? Cathers Home is also an award-winning design studio.
530 Basalt Ave.
Basalt, Colorado 81621
970.927.6556
